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courtneynreed 's review for:
Q & A
by Vikas Swarup
I had decided to read this book because I enjoyed Slumdog Millionaire so much. As per usual, the book turned out so much better than the film. Of course, not all of India is such poverty, but it offered such a striking view of the bleakness of conditions and futures to those who are born into it, regardless of in India or elsewhere. Poverty is inescapable for most. The harshest criticism I see of this book is "that's not what India is like." True. But, this sort of existence is the life for many people across the world. People who complain about this fact are missing the point. They are missing the story as a reflection of poverty and how people view the world as a result of their social and economic status.
The contrast between poverty and wealth provided such an insight into the people - the poor and wealthy. As Ram goes through life, money becomes easy come, easy go. He still does everything he can to help others, and his compassion is what gives him the most wealth. "Luck comes from within." Each time he ignored his own fortune to help someone more in need (he too had been in poorer conditions through his life), his compassion came full circle.
I loved how, as in the movie adaptation, each question connected personally to Ram's own life. The game show offered that umbrella connection to all of Ram's luck from kindness.
Excellent read. I'm also very fortunate to have understood it better for reading it now, having taken courses in Indian culture and art. Understanding each other is how kindness is brewed, just as Ram understood the plight of others around him from his own background.
Thank you, Vikas Swarup, for helping me to understand a little better, as well.
The contrast between poverty and wealth provided such an insight into the people - the poor and wealthy. As Ram goes through life, money becomes easy come, easy go. He still does everything he can to help others, and his compassion is what gives him the most wealth. "Luck comes from within." Each time he ignored his own fortune to help someone more in need (he too had been in poorer conditions through his life), his compassion came full circle.
I loved how, as in the movie adaptation, each question connected personally to Ram's own life. The game show offered that umbrella connection to all of Ram's luck from kindness.
Excellent read. I'm also very fortunate to have understood it better for reading it now, having taken courses in Indian culture and art. Understanding each other is how kindness is brewed, just as Ram understood the plight of others around him from his own background.
Thank you, Vikas Swarup, for helping me to understand a little better, as well.